This blog describes and tracks an annual study abroad program for occupational therapy students and occupational therapists to Ghana, West Africa. The program is run through the department of occupational therapy in the school of Allied Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

One Bad Day

So last night I found out that I did not get into the grant program that I had been hoping to get into. I thought I was in. I thought I was perfect for this program. I have been turning it over and over in my mind what I could have done differently, why I can't seem to catch a break when all I have done is work my butt off for the past four years in this job. I have been sad. I have been angry. I have had a very "woe is me" day. Then I took a break tonight to look at my pictures from the Ghana trip and I thought...

I have a home

I eat three meals a day

I have three college degrees and a good job

My son and I have health care

In general I wake up each day with a purpose and do things that I feel good about. I like what I do and if I ever stopped liking what I do I have choices and opportunities open to me. Through my work I have gotten to meet new people and do new and exciting things.

So now...after reflecting...I do not feel so sorry for myself. I do not feel so sad, or angry, or disappointed. I feel thankful for what I have and the opportunities that have been available to me.

There is a link on my blog to the Mocha Club Organization; their saying is "I need Africa more than Africa needs me". At times like this I know this saying to be true. If it weren't for Africa I would not be able to frame things the way I do now. It has taken me 3 trips to understand this, but now I am beginning to see.

3 comments:

That is an exiciting adventure! I was glad to hear about your work in Ghana. I also lead a group of 5 Master's level OT students to the West Indies. We worked with Mental Health clients as well as pediatric clients. Do you plan to continue taking students to Africa?

I am a pediatric OT that spent 5 weeks in Ghana in 2009 visiting my dght in the peace corps and volunteering at her school. She has been there two years and is an art teacher at a deaf school. Enjoyed your blog. Will be returning to Ghana in August of 2009 for my dghts wedding and will then have a lifelong connection to Ghana through her husband. Taveled throughout the country but spent most of our time in the Northern region of Tamale

RE: the puffy paint used to make raised lines. I don't know if the temperatures and the humidity would make my idea null. Could you use glue and string to make the raised lines? In places like Arizona the glue would not stick in mid-summer!

For tactile reinforcement for Learning Disabled and visually handicapped students, we used sand or salt in pans (indoor use) for letter forming and drawing.

About Me

I am an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. I lead an annual study abroad trip to Ghana with occupational therapy students and clinicians. Part of their assignment is to blog about their experiences before, during and after the trip. I have set up this blog to 1) reflect on this course and what I want us to accomplish as OT's in Ghana and 2) to share our experiences with others interested in working in Ghana or other developing countries.